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Locarno Film Festival
2024-08-07 - 2024-08-17 | Piazza Grande, 6600 Locarno, Locarno, Switzerland
Locarno, Switzerland

ABOUT THE LOCARNO FILM FESTIVAL
Locarno Film Festival was born in the aftermath of the Second World War. It offered a stage for revival, freedom of art and expression for talents from all over the world eager to tell stories in new, different ways. Since its inception, Locarno has been home to the most daring, avant-garde, irreverent and innovative forms of films – screened in their uncut, uncensored versions.
Why do we do this? And why does it matter?
Cinema is complete art capable of influencing a life, shifting a way of thinking. It hits you with intense emotions and truth. It brings to life human complexity, extraordinary or devastating stories, testimonies from another continent that reshape our participation in the world.
Every year since 1946, we present international independent films carefully selected to inspire you, to surprise you, to make you question assumptions, to open your mind, to push you. By showing films at the cutting edge, we nurture bold talents as well as creativity; we share authentic, powerful stories; we enable films to get made and careers to be launched. We write important chapters in film history and we shape the future of cinema.
What makes Locarno different from other film festivals?
When the Locarno Film Festival was launched, we chose to emphasize accessibility to all, to focus on quality, integrity, independence, and to champion films that enrich culture, art, and society. By standing our ground ever since, we have earned the attention and respect of both the international film community and the industry. Our film selections are guarantees of excellence.
There is no hierarchy, instead talents, industry professionals, film students, local personalities, staff, and the audience are invited to mingle, and share in a collective experience. Our red carpet is barrier-free, there are no VIP-only zones; open access to all. You see the films you want to see, you meet people, you discover.
What can I expect at Locarno?
Locarno Film Festival is an adventure. It is a pilgrimage to an ephemeral world entirely dedicated to film, art, and imagination. Nestled in the mountains beside a lake, our remote Swiss-Italian town fully dons the festival colors – the Leopard’s black and yellow – for an intense 11-day celebration of cinema. The festival offers over 450 screenings, talks, events, conferences, concerts, art exhibitions, parties (and so much more!), all located within a walk, a short bike ride or a short bus trip from each other.
Every evening, 8,000 people gather on the Piazza Grande, Europe’s largest outdoor film venue, to watch film premieres under the stars on a massive screen. Thousands of film lovers all gasping in the same breath, laughing at the same joke, sobbing at a character’s misfortune… This ultimate experience of cinema is extraordinary and impossible to replicate anywhere else.
What we care about?

Showing the best quality of independent film and audiovisual art.
Being a place of discovery, exchange, discussion, creativity, integrity, and freedom.
Leading an on-going conversation on the future of cinema and the overall audiovisual landscape.
Training young professionals and creatives who feel the urge to bring a story to life
Growing the most knowledgeable community of independent filmmakers, film critics, industry professionals, and cinephiles throughout the year.
Educating and sharing with the audiences of tomorrow.

And most importantly: YOU. Film lovers. Our audience. We strive to help you appreciate the value of being challenged, of expanding your worldview, and of being inspired. We are convinced that the remarkable films we bring to Locarno from all five continents encourage a crucial understanding between cultures and between humans. For a better future.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
TBA
Notification Date
TBA
Event Date
August 7 – 17, 2024

Early
Regular
Late

Feature Films
TBA
TBA
TBA

Short Films
TBA
TBA
TBA

Visit the Locarno Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Slamdance Film Festival - Regular Deadline
2024-08-12 | N/A
Park City, Utah
United States

ABOUT THE SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
The Slamdance Film Festival is a showcase for raw and innovative filmmaking that lives and bleeds by its mantra: By Filmmakers, For Filmmakers. Slamdance has created a track record for showcasing breakthrough artists that is beyond dispute. Filmmakers who first presented their work at the festival are now amongst the biggest names in the entertainment industry. Alumni who have shown their early short films and debut features at Slamdance include Rian Johnson (Knives Out), Ari Aster (Midsommar), Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard), The Russo Brothers (Avengers: Endgame), Bong Joon Ho (Parasite), Lena Dunham (Girls), Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), Lynn Shelton (Little Fires Everywhere) and Christopher Nolan (Dunkirk).
The Slamdance Film Festival accepts films in every genre, on any topic, from every country around the world. We spotlight low-budget Narrative and Documentary Features by first-time directors, Breakout Features from non-first time directors, short films across genres, and episodes. We do not disqualify any films based on premiere status or date of completion.
The festival program is selected entirely from our blind submissions pool and no films are given special treatment based on who made them or who they know. Over 200 Slamdance alumni filmmakers are responsible for the programming and organization of the festival. Comprised of a variety of backgrounds, interests, and talents, but with no individual filmmaker’s vote valued more than any other, Slamdance committees have been able to stay close to its original DIY spirit and continue to champion the bleeding-edge of contemporary filmmaking.
"Of all the Sundance myths that developed over the last 35 years, the biggest fallacy is that of being magically discovered and launching one’s career on a snow-covered January evening in Park City. If anything, when that does happen, it’s across the street at Slamdance” - IndieWire

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
May 8, 2024
Notification Date
December 19, 2024
Event Date
February 20-26, 2025

Early Bird
Regular
Late
Extended

Feature Films
July 8, 2024 : $65
Aug 12, 2024: $85
Sept 16, 2024: $110
Oct 11, 2024: $125

Short Films
July 8, 2024: $45
Aug 12, 2024: $60
Sept 16, 2024: $70
Oct 11, 2024: $85

Visit the Slamdance Film Festival website for more information.

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Edinburgh International Film Festival
2024-08-15 - 2024-08-21 | N/A
Edinburgh, Scotland
United Kingdom

ABOUT THE EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The original festival. We’re the one that started it all, the igniting spark which established Edinburgh as the world’s Festival City.
Our Origin Story
Founded in 1947, the International Festival was the inspired idea of Rudolf Bing, a cultural pioneer and Jewish refugee of the Nazi regime.
He joined with civic and artistic leaders to create an event that would transcend political boundaries through a global celebration of performing arts in Scotland’s beloved capital city. Over the following 76 years the International Festival has flourished, deepening our commitment to artistic excellence and cultural curiosity. Meanwhile, sister festivals have grown up around us, each of them contributing to the atmosphere of unparalleled excitement that transforms the city every summer.
Our Festival
We welcome the world to Edinburgh to experience our hand-picked programme of the finest performers in dance, opera, music and theatre. Through their artistry we create space for reflection and reconciliation, debate and celebration, bringing people of different cultures and viewpoints together.
Our Impact
Shining far beyond what you see on stage, we aim to be a beacon for the enormous creativity, curiosity and potential held within individuals, communities and our nation. We offer year-round pathways for people of all ages and backgrounds to discover and participate in live performance, and to help shape the future of our Festival. By nurturing the next generation of artists – from inspiring primary schoolchildren to mentoring rising stars – we want this legacy to be felt for years to come.
Our Vision
Our vision is simple: to provide the deepest experience of the highest quality art for the broadest possible audience.
Audience Manifesto

Live performance is most thrilling when audiences and artists are in communion with one another. What we each bring into the room matters.
We invite you to listen, gather, seek, and feel with us. Sometimes we listen so deeply we hear every breath in the room; at other times we gather with a joyful roar! We’ll make sure you know what to expect.
We want you to feel truly welcome at our events. We ask and listen to what you need, aiming to remove barriers through our Access Pass, range of prices, concessions and friendly staff.
There is always something new to discover – we hope our audio introductions, post-show talks and ‘inside out’ concerts will reward your curiosity, whether you’re here for the first time or you’ve been with us through the decades.
There is no singular view on why a symphony matters, what makes opera relatable, or how dance makes us feel. If you seek context and depth, we will connect you with the human stories behind these works of art.
We present you a window to the world. Encounter familiar stories in other languages or from radically different perspectives. Bring an open heart and mind, and we’ll provide specific guidance for those who want to feel more prepared.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 23, 2024
Notification Date
June 30, 2024
Event Date
August 15-21, 2024

Early Bird
Regular
Late

Feature Films
March 8, 2024: $60
March 29, 2024: $70
April 19, 2024: $85

Short Films
March 8, 2024: $25
March 29, 2024: $35
April 19, 2024: $40

Visit the Edinburgh International Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Victoria Film Festival - Late Deadline
2024-08-18 | Vic Theatre, 808 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 2B7, Canada
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada

ABOUT THE VICTORIA FILM FESTIVAL
The Victoria Film Festival embodies the spirit of the cinematic arts on Vancouver Island. We worship cult films, practice wine & beer sacrifices, offer a ritual of initiation for emerging filmmakers, and bring unique artistic voices from Canada and around the world to local screens.
VFF is open to all forms of creative media, but it is deathly allergic to clichés. Every February, we roust hibernating Victorians and islanders, roll out the pink carpet for the sheer glam of it, and throw a 10-day film festival across the city.
Mission

The mission of the Victoria Film Festival: Impossible.
Why?
The mission of the Victoria Film Festival is to stimulate critical analysis and inspire individuals to recognize and utilize film as a creative tool.
Nah, you’re right, it’s Impossible – but we’re giving it a go anyway. Wheeeeeeeeee!

Vision
We do not look at the world through pink-coloured glasses, we simply see it as pink as a leaf, as blue as an orange, and as rainbowy as our ideas. Come and see for yourself. Or check out our VFF vision prescription eyewear.
Values

Respect
Integrity
Diversity
Open communication
Collaboration
Unique
Forward-thinking

Who do we like to hang with?
It’s been a long time coming but the world is opening its eyes to the brilliance of diversity. We have always shown it in our films and we strive to do it in our office. We go for all the colours and flavours of the world and welcome everyone’s uniqueness. Thank heaven for her, he, and they, you make the world shine.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
April 3, 2024
Notification Date
December 27, 2024
Event Date
February 7-16, 2025

Early Bird
Regular
Late

Feature Films
June 16, 2024: $25
July 14, 2024: $45
Aug 18, 2024: $55

Short Films
June 16, 2024: $25
July 14, 2024: $45
Aug 18, 2024: $55

Visit the Victoria Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Anchorage International Film Festival - Late Deadline
2024-08-20 | Bear Tooth Theatrepub, 1230 West 27th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99503, United States
Anchorage, Alaska
United States

ABOUT THE ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Anchorage International Film Festival mission is to develop, promote and sustain a film festival that supports new media and independent film making in Alaska and around the world while enriching cultural and entertainment opportunities for Alaskans. Our nonprofit organization continues to play a part in expanding film screening and production opportunities throughout the state.
By bringing filmmakers from all parts of the country and world to Alaska, we want artists to connect with people they might not otherwise meet, and engage audiences in workshops, screenings, and plenty of celebratory parties.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
April 25, 2024
Notification Date
September 25, 2024
Event Date
December 6-14, 2024

Early Bird
Regular
Late

Feature Films
May 31, 2024: $50
July 15, 2024: $60
Aug 20, 2024: $75

Made in Alaska Feature Films
May 31, 2024: $35
July 15, 2024: $45
Aug 20, 2024: $55

Extended Short Films
May 31, 2024: $40
July 15, 2024: $50
Aug 20, 2024: $65

Short Films
May 31, 2024: $35
July 15, 2024: $45
Aug 20, 2024: $60

Made in Alaska Short Films
May 31, 2024: $25
July 15, 2024: $35
Aug 20, 2024: $45

Super Short Films
May 31, 2024: $25
July 15, 2024: $35
Aug 20, 2024: $50

Visit the Anchorage International Film Festival website for more information.

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FrightFest
2024-08-22 - 2024-08-26 | Cineworld Cinema, Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7NA, United Kingdom
London, England

ABOUT FRIGHTFEST
FrightFest was conceived by Paul McEvoy, Ian Rattray and Alan Jones and staged its first event in 2000 at the Prince Charles Cinema, off London's Leicester Square. Its August Bank Holiday weekend date has remained a fixture ever since. Greg Day, their long-serving PR man, joined the company as a co-director in 2006.
The objective of FrightFest was to provide the UK with a horror fantasy festival similar to the market leaders in Europe, Sitges (Spain) and Brussels (Belgium). FrightFest has since evolved into a community where audiences and guests alike travel from all over the world to be part of the event's unique atmosphere.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
September 17, 2023
Notification Date
August 7, 2024
Event Date
August 22 - 26, 2024

Early Bird
Final

Short Films
Nov. 30, 2023
July 1, 2024

Feature Films
Dec. 1, 2023
June 1, 2024

Visit the FrightFest website for more information.

ScreenCraft Drama Screenplay Competition - Final Deadline
2024-08-31 | N/A
ABOUT THE SCREENCRAFT DRAMA SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Accepting TV and Feature Scripts
Drama is at the heart of great Hollywood storytelling. Past ScreenCraft Drama competition writers have met with A24, MGM, HBO, Hello Sunshine, Bellevue, Ryan Murphy Productions, Anonymous Content, and dozens more -- all through our introductions.
This year’s jury includes companies and clients behind Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Umbrella Academy, The West Wing and more.
All finalists will have a guaranteed meeting with an industry professional and be invited to an exclusive Finalist+ workshop on how to best position yourself and your writing to the industry.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
TBA

Early
Regular
Final

Screenplay Submission Deadline
June 30, 2024: $49.99
July 31, 2024: $49.99
August 31, 2024: $49.99

Announcements
Quarterfinalist: October 16, 2024
Semifinalist: November 13, 2024
Finalist: December 11, 2024
Winner: January 22, 2025

Visit the ScreenCraft Drama Screenplay Competition webpage for information about jury members, prizes and more.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch Competition - Final Deadline
2024-08-31 | N/A
ABOUT THE SCREENCRAFT VIRTUAL PITCH COMPETITION
The ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch Competition gives writers the chance to pitch to industry professionals! Here’s how it works:
1. Submit your best elevator pitch - a written, typed pitch of no more than 350 words.
2. Semifinalists will be asked to submit a 2-minute video pitch.
3. The selected finalists will pitch live and online, to a panel of A-list industry professionals.
Previous finalists have signed ON THE SPOT during the pitch competition with a Hollywood Lit Manager. Past winners and finalists have also landed meetings with companies like Verve, Page Boy Productions, and more.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
TBA
Announcements
Semifinalist: September 18, 2024
Finalist: October 16, 2024
Winner: November 13, 2024

Early
Regular
Final

Screenplay Submission Deadline
June 30, 2024: $24.99
July 31, 2024: $24.99
August 31, 2024: $24.99

Visit the ScreenCraft Virtual Pitch Competition webpage for information about jury members, prizes and more.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

ScreenCraft Horror Screenplay Competition - Early Deadline
2024-08-31 | N/A
ABOUT THE SCREENCRAFT HORROR SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
The Horror genre has timeless appeal - it’s been a mainstay in movie theaters, streaming and TV for hundreds of years. We’re looking for the newest voices with compelling stories to tell.
The ScreenCraft Horror Competition has a long history of creating success for our winners and finalists, many of whom have gone on to sign with companies like Bellevue Productions, Kaplan Perrone, Affirmative Entertainment, Zero Gravity, Story Driven, and more.
All finalists will meet with a member of the jury and be invited to an exclusive Finalist+ workshop on how you can best position yourself and your writing to the industry.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
TBA
Announcements
Quarterfinalist: December 4, 2024
Semifinalist: January 15, 2025
Finalist: February 5, 2025
Winner: February 26, 2025

Early
Regular
Final

Screenplay Submission Deadline
Aug 31, 2024: $49.99
Sept 30, 2024: $49.99
Oct 31, 2024: $49.99

Visit the ScreenCraft Horror Screenplay Competition webpage for more information.

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ScreenCraft TV Pilot Screenplay Competition - Regular Deadline
2024-08-31 | N/A
ABOUT THE SCREENCRAFT TV PILOT SCREENPLAY COMPETITION
Our TV Competition has a history of getting writers signed, staffed, and sold. It’s one of our most successful competitions, period. Winners of this year’s competition receive cash prizes, exclusive workshops, and introductions to industry professionals.
We’re looking for pilots that push genre boundaries like Stranger Things, inspire change like Abbott Elementary and Grey’s Anatomy, transport us to other worlds like The Last of Us and Dark Matter, and entertain like The Bear, Girls5Eva and Beef.
All finalists are guaranteed a meeting with an industry professional and will be invited to an exclusive workshop on how you can best position yourself and your writing in Hollywood. Plus a Q&A session with Emmy-nominated writer and showrunner Kirk Ward (THE CONTINENTAL). This is your opportunity to get your script in front of the people who matter.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
June 30, 2024
Announcements
Quarterfinalist: October 23, 2024
Semifinalist: November 20, 2024
Finalist: January 8, 2025
Winner: January 29, 2025

Early
Regular
Final

Screenplay Submission Deadline
July 31, 2024
Aug 31, 2024
Sept 30, 2024

Visit the TV Pilot Screenplay Competition webpage for competition rules, eligibility, selection criteria, jury members, prizes and more.

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CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival - Regular Deadline
2024-09-09 | Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 1H1, Canada
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

ABOUT THE CUFF.DOCS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL
PRESENTED BY CALGARY UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival showcases the best in non-fiction films. The event presented by the Calgary Underground Film Festival screens 20+ full-length features, as well as shorts, varying in subject, style and genres within the art form.
CUFF.Docs is the perfect place for anyone with the same intrigue and interest in factual content as we have. We’ll bring guests with the films, and plan for a unique CUFF-experience with the festival, and the films we present. We aim to promote art and encourage dialogue.
At CUFF.Docs, the quality of the film is what matters most; we don't book films to make political statements or advocate for particular issues. Instead, we hope to present a range of films that both confirm and challenge beliefs, promoting a sense of wonder and a healthy skepticism, and above all, that continue to advance the medium of documentary filmmaking.
The Calgary Underground Film Festival loves supporting independent film, and with a great team and passionate supporters, we elevate Calgary's cultural landscape.
GUIDELINES
1) Features films: must be a Calgary premiere, and not have screened in theatre, local festival or Canadian broadcast before our dates.
2) Short films: Priority is given to films which have not yet screened in Calgary.
3) We do not program films which were finished prior to last year's festival.
*Free for alumni and Alberta filmmakers. Please email us for a waiver code if you meet either of these criteria.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
June 3, 2024
Notification Date
November 4, 2024
Event Date
November 20-24, 2024

Regular
Late

Features (Canadian)
Sept 9, 2024: $20
Oct 1, 2024: $30

Features (International)
Sept 9, 2024: $20
Oct 1, 2024: $30

Short Films (Canadian)
Sept 9, 2024: $10
Oct 1, 2024: $15

Short Films (International)
Sept 9, 2024: $15
Oct 1, 2024: $20

Visit the CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival website for more information.

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Atlantic International Film Festival
2024-09-11 - 2024-09-18 | Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane, 5657 Spring Garden Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3R4, Canada
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Canada

ABOUT THE ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Atlantic International Film Festival has grown into one of Canada’s premier celebrations of film and filmmaking, an essential platform for our regional industry alongside the best new national and international offerings. Celebrating its 44th year in 2024, the festival began as a tiny, grassroots operation in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1981, relocating to Halifax the following year. Providing an immersive escape and experience for movie lovers, filmmakers, and industry professionals worldwide, AIFF continues to take place at Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane in the heart of historic downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia.
AIFF carefully curates our selections to bring audiences the best local and international films, while industry programming and special events are chosen with our diverse community in mind.
With our yearly lineup of anticipated film screenings, informative industry panels and glamourous galas, AIFF is dedicated to continuing its legacy as one of Atlantic Canada’s premier celebrations, serving as a key destination for people united by their shared love of film.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 8, 2024
Notification Date
August 7, 2024
Event Date
September 11 – 18, 2024

Earlybird
Regular
Late
Extended

Atlantic Canadian Feature Films
March 22, 2024: $35
May 3, 2024: $45
June 7, 2024: $55
June 14, 2024: $75

Atlantic Canadian Short Films
March 22, 2024: $25
May 3, 2024: $35
June 7, 2024: $45
June 14, 2024: $65

Canadian Feature Films
March 22, 2024: $45
May 3, 2024: $55
June 7, 2024: $65
June 14, 2024: $75

Canadian Short Films
March 22, 2024: $35
May 3, 2024: $45
June 7, 2024: $55
June 14, 2024: $75

International Feature Films
-
May 3, 2024: $65
June 7, 2024: $75
-

International Short Films
March 22, 2024: $45
May 3, 2024: $55
June 7, 2024: $65
-

Visit the Atlantic International Film Festival website for more information.

Slamdance Film Festival - Late Deadline
2024-09-16 | N/A

Edmonton International Film Festival
2024-09-26 - 2024-10-05 | N/A
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

ABOUT THE EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Edmonton International Film Festival Society’s (EIFFS) mission is to present a film festival in theatres to celebrate diverse cinema for audiences. To achieve this, we showcase high quality cinema from around the world to allow filmmakers to interact in a forum that creates and fosters community, while placing EIFF on the global film festival map.
We present films produced within 20 months of each festival. These films are curated from submissions and solicited from distributors. The festival also presents a generous dose of filmmaker chats, Q&A’s, gala screenings, a local filmmaker spotlight, ‘buzzy’ films that are travelling the festival circuit, shorts with lunch, and more. Films are selected on the basis of story, quality and originality. All films must be EDMONTON premieres.
EIFF IS AN OSCAR QUALIFYING FESTIVAL FOR SHORT FILMS — LIVE ACTION & ANIMATION — AND IS THE FINAL QUALIFYING FESTIVAL EACH CALENDAR YEAR.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
November 15, 2023
Notification Date
August 1, 2024
Event Date
September 26 - October 5, 2024

Earlybird
Regular
Late

Feature Films
Feb 1, 2024: $40
Apr 15, 2024: $50
May 1, 2024: $65

Short Films
Feb 1, 2024: $25
Apr 15, 2024: $35
May 1, 2024: $50

Alberta Films (All Lengths)
Feb 1, 2024: $15
Apr 15, 2024: $25
May 1, 2024: $40

Visit the Edmonton International Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

ScreenCraft Horror Screenplay Competition - Regular Deadline
2024-09-30 | N/A

ScreenCraft TV Pilot Screenplay Competition - Final Deadline
2024-09-30 | N/A

CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival - Late Deadline
2024-10-01 | Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 1H1, Canada

Hawaii International Film Festival
2024-10-02 - 2024-10-13 | N/A
Honolulu, Hawaii
United States

ABOUT THE HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
HIFF's MISSION
As the vanguard forum of international cinematic achievement in the Asia-Pacific region, Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) endeavors to recognize new and emerging talent, promote career development and original collaborations through innovative education programs, and facilitate dynamic cultural exchange through the cinema arts.
HIFF started as a project of the East-West Center, an educational and research institution created by U.S. Congress and located on the University of Hawai’i Manoa campus in Honolulu. Jeannette Paulson Hereniko was HIFF’s Founding Director, from 1981 to 1996. In 1981, HIFF’s inaugural year, the program consisted of seven films from six countries which were viewed by an audience of 5,000.
HIFF has become a premiere cinematic event in the Pacific and annually attracts more than 50,000 film enthusiasts from around the state, the nation and throughout the world. It is one of the premier film festivals in the United States and the only festival spread across an archipelago.
HIFF annually presents a series of prizes for established and emerging filmmakers at its annual Awards Gala. In addition to its main competitions, the festival also honors filmmakers for special accomplishments and contributions to cinema culture.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 9, 2024
Notification Date
August 30, 2024
Event Date
October 2 - 13, 2024

Earlybird
Regular
Late

Feature Films
Feb 16, 2024: $55
Apr 26, 2024: $65
June 21, 2024: $75

Short Films
Feb 16, 2024: $45
Apr 26, 2024: $55
June 21, 2024: $65

Pacific Islander Showcase Features/Shorts
Feb 16, 2024: $35
Apr 26, 2024: $35
June 21, 2024: $35

Made in Hawaii Features/Shorts
Feb 16, 2024: $25
Apr 26, 2024: $25
June 21, 2024: $25

Visit the Hawaii International Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

BFI London Film Festival
2024-10-09 - 2024-10-20 | BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, South Bank, London, SE1 8XT, United Kingdom
London, England

ABOUT THE BFI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL
The BFI London Film Festival is brimming with the world’s best new films, series and immersive storytelling - and everyone is invited.
This is your chance to delight in the undiscovered, as all feature films and series are being shown in the UK for the first (and sometimes only) time.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
TBA
Notification Date
TBA
Event Date
October 9 - 20, 2024

Early Bird
Regular
Final

Feature Films (UK)
TBA
TBA
TBA

Short Films (International)
TBA
TBA
TBA

Short Films (UK)
TBA
TBA
TBA

Visit the BFI London Film Festival website for more information.

Chicago International Film Festival
2024-10-16 - 2024-10-27 | N/A
Chicago, Illinois
United States

ABOUT THE CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Chicago International Film Festival is North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, presented by its parent organization, Cinema/Chicago. Filmmaker and graphic artist Michael Kutza founded Cinema/Chicago in 1964 to provide an alternative to the commercial Hollywood movies that dominated the city’s theaters.
The Festival opened in 1965 at the Carnegie Theater, where King Vidor, Bette Davis, and Stanley Kramer were honored for their contributions to American cinema. Since then, the Festival has grown to become a world-renowned annual event. The Festival’s in-person tributes have honored such international luminaries as François Truffaut, Orson Welles, Sophia Loren, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Satyajit Ray, Howard Hawks, George Cukor, Spike Lee, Lucino Visconti, Faye Dunaway, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Sidney Poitier, Patrice Chéreau, Ron Howard, J.A. Bayona, Viola Davis, Bruce Dern, and Kevin Kline.
Seeking out the best in international cinema, the Festival has discovered new talents and opened windows to a world of film previously or otherwise unavailable in Chicago. Over the years, the Festival has introduced creative new directors like Martin Scorsese, Wim Wenders, Bertrand Tavernier, Margarethe von Trotta, and Krzysztof Kieslowski, among many others, to Chicago. The Festival is also dedicated to showcasing films made by filmmakers from across the state of Illinois.
Proceeds from the Festival benefit Cinema/Chicago’s programs throughout the year, including the Summer Screenings Program (May through October), CineYouth Festival (May), and year-round Education Program and Members Film Screening Series.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 16, 2024
Notification Date
September 13, 2024
Event Date
October 16 - 27, 2024
Earlybird deadline entries must be postmarked/submitted online by April 8, 2024.
Regular deadline entries must be postmarked/submitted online by June 10, 2024.
Late deadline entries must be postmarked/submitted online by July 1, 2024.

Earlybird
Regular
Late

Feature Films
April 8, 2024: $90
June 10, 2024: $100
July 1, 2024: $200

Student Film Feature Length
April 8, 2024: $40
June 10, 2024: $50
July 1, 2024: $80

Short Films
April 8, 2024: $45
June 10, 2024: $60
July 1, 2024: $80

Student Film Shorts
April 8, 2024: $20
June 10, 2024: $30
July 1, 2024: $50

Visit the Chicago International Film Festival website for more information.

ScreenCraft Horror Screenplay Competition - Final Deadline
2024-10-31 | N/A

Heartland Film Festival Open For Submissions
2024-11-19 | Living Room Theaters, 745 East 9th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
Indianapolis, Indiana
United States

ABOUT THE HEARTLAND FILM FESTIVAL
Heartland Film has hosted the annual Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis, Indiana since 1992. We strive to be the preeminent destination for connecting audiences and filmmakers to experience the transformative power of film. This festival has grown from a four day event with fewer than 20 films to what is now an 11-day celebration that typically showcases 300+ feature film screenings and 200+ filmmakers.
Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in October, the Academy Award®-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, the Truly Moving Picture Award and other year-round programs.
Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives. The films we select and exhibit – whether they inspire conversation, ignite imagination, or shift perspectives – all have one thing in common: they are entertaining films that do more than just entertain.
Over the years, we presented $3.5 million in cash prize – the largest total amount awarded by any film festival in North America – presented 200+ studio films with the Truly Moving Picture Award, and showcased more than 2,000 feature and short films, including eight Oscar®-winning titles. To view our past Festival guidebooks, pictures, films and more check out digital archives section here!
Vision: Heartland Film is the preeminent destination for connecting audiences and filmmakers to experience transformative film.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
November 19, 2024
Notification Date
September 4, 2025
Event Date
October 9 - 19, 2025

Early Bird
Regular
Late
Extended

Feature Films
Feb 2, 2025: $50
May 18, 2025: $65
June 8, 2025: $85
July 6, 2025: $105

Horror Feature (Specialty showcase)
Feb 2, 2025: Free
May 18, 2025: $32.50
June 8, 2025: $42.50
July 6, 2025: $52.50

Visit the Heartland Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

CUFF.Docs Documentary Film Festival
2024-11-20 - 2024-11-24 | Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 1H1, Canada

Anchorage International Film Festival
2024-12-06 - 2024-12-14 | Bear Tooth Theatrepub, 1230 West 27th Avenue, Anchorage, AK, 99503, United States

Nashville Film Festival Open for Submissions
2025-01-01 | N/A
Nashville, Tennessee
United States

ABOUT THE NASHVILLE FILM FESTIVAL
The Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) celebrates innovation, music and the many voices of the human spirit through the art of film. Originally founded in 1969, the Nashville Film Festival is one of the longest-running film festivals in the United States and the first in the South. NashFilm discovers, elevates, and honors filmmakers, screenwriters and musicians from around the world while engaging, connecting and strengthening the community.
NashFilm presents the best in independent film including world cinema, U.S. indies, narratives, documentaries, and numerous short form programs by veteran masters, up-and-coming directors, and first-time filmmakers.
Nashville Film Festival films have won the highest honors in the film world including multiple Academy Award nominees and Oscar awards.
With Academy Award qualifying status and numerous shorts programs, NashFilm has screened many prize-winning narrative, documentary and animated shorts.
Nashville is Music City. NashFilm emphasizes the music in films. Some of the most memorable songs in films have been written and performed by Nashville’s songwriters and artists. In addition to the many films about music and the Music Films in Music City awards, NashFilm presents showcases, workshops, and other events where these songwriters and artists come together with film professionals from Hollywood and around the world to promote collaboration.
With a strong commitment to independent and innovative filmmaking, NashFilm offers some truly unique awards. Filmmakers compete for cash and prizes valued at more than $100,000. Winners of the Short Documentary, Short Narrative and Short Animation competitions qualify for Academy Award consideration.
Filmmakers from across the country and around the world attend the festival every year. Celebrity honorees and participants have included Willem Dafoe, Oprah Winfrey, George Clooney, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Modine, John Turturro, William H. Macy, Al Gore, Nicole Kidman, Danny Glover, Vincent D’Onofrio, Tim Blake Nelson, Joey Lauren Adams, Rob Thomas, Craig Brewer, Harmony Korine, Ashley Judd, Kiefer Sutherland, Joshua Jackson, Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Patrick Swayze, Christine Vachon, John Waters, Matthew McConaughey, Robert Redford, James Cromwell, Harry Belafonte among many others.

ENTRY GUIDELINES

Entries must not have premiered to the public in-person or virtually before January 1, 2023.
Films that have screened virtually at a Festival prior to the Nashville Film Festival are eligible for submission and competition.
Competition is open to U.S. and International entries. Please check individual categories for additional requirements.
Films submitted in previous years are not eligible for resubmission to the current and open season.
NashFilm will program 1-2 Spotlight sections this year. The films will be out of competition, but contain a highly curated selection of films that share a common theme.
Feature films are 40 minutes in length or longer. Short films are under 40 minutes in length.
Films not in the English language must be subtitled in English.
Entries must be submitted for pre-screening via filmfreeway. If you use a secured link, you are REQUIRED to keep us updated with passwords or your film may be rejected. NO HARD COPIES WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR ENTRIES.
Works-in-progress are accepted but are not encouraged. We can’t promise that we will be able to watch re-edited submissions. Please only submit work-in-progress if you are submitting close to the final deadline.
You may submit multiple entries but must fill out a separate entry form and pay an entry fee for each.
NashFilm employees, including seasonal staff, board members, sponsors, and their immediate families, are not eligible to submit in any category to this competition.
By submitting your work you are giving permission for the Nashville Film Festival to showcase your work at the festival and for promotional purposes.
Any potential prize awards are subject to all relevant federal and/or state laws and are therefore not guaranteed. Prize winners are responsible for providing required documentation in a timely manner and are responsible for any tax liabilities they may incur. Nashville Film Festival is not responsible for providing tax advice.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 1, 2025
Notification Date
August 6, 2025
Event Date
September 18 - 24, 2025

Early Bird
Regular
Late
Extended

Feature Films
March 5, 2025: $60
May 7, 2025: $70
May 28, 2025: $85
June 13, 2025: $95

Short Films
March 5, 2025: $45
May 7, 2025: $55
May 28, 2025: $70
June 13, 2025: $80

Episodic
March 5, 2025: $45
May 7, 2025: $55
May 28, 2025: $70
June 13, 2025: $80

Visit the Nashville Film Festival website for more information.

Palm Springs International Film Festival
2025-01-02 - 2025-01-13 | N/A
Palm Springs, California
United States

ABOUT THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
OUR MISSION
The Palm Springs International Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness.
OUR VISION
Palm Springs International Film Society strives for a world in which enlightenment, knowledge and tolerance prevail. We believe film as an art form has the power to bridge cultures and illuminate the universality of the human experience.
The Palm Springs International Film Society enthusiastically pursues its artistic and public service goals; to enrich, to educate, to entertain, to initiate cultural dialogue and celebrate cinematic excellence in any language. Our principle objectives encompass promoting film to an ever-widening audience as a powerful medium that inspires creativity, encourages introspection and compels exploration. The Society aims for a leadership role in providing an extensive forum for multicultural exchange in the Coachella Valley and beyond.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
April 2, 2024
Notification Date
November 8, 2024
Event Date
January 2-13, 2025

Regular
Final

Narrative & Documentary Feature Films
May 31, 2024: $75
June 30, 2024: $95

Visit the Palm Springs International Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Fantastic Fest Open For Submissions
2025-01-13 | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema South Lamar, 1120 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX, 78704, United States
Fantastic Fest Open For Submissions
The Fantastic Fest film festival is now open for submissions. Located in the United States, Fantastic Fest takes place in September in Austin, Texas. It is the largest genre film festival in the US, specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and action movies. Read on for more information about Fantastic Fest, including the opening submission date, notification date, festival dates, and other important information.
ABOUT FANTASTIC FEST
Fantastic Fest is the largest genre film festival in the US, specializing in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action and just plain fantastic movies from all around the world. The festival is dedicated to championing challenging and thought-provoking cinema, celebrating new voices and new stories from around the world and supporting new filmmakers. We work with various other festivals, archives, cinematheques and individuals to spotlight lesser-known film regions, luminaries and more in an ongoing effort to expand the general knowledge and appreciation of cinema. We are committed to supporting film in its most provocative, ground-breaking and underseen forms, and giving the audience a chance to find new favorites and future genre classics.
Each year we bring together fans, guests, industry, press and others in an inclusive and fun environment for a weeklong celebration of film in all its forms through carefully curated screenings and events, both in and outside of the theaters.
In years past, Fantastic Fest has been home to world premieres of THE BLACK PHONE, JOHN WICK, FRANKENWEENIE, MACHETE KILLS, RED DAWN, THERE WILL BE BLOOD, APOCALYPTO, ZOMBIELAND, RED, SPLIT, OVERLORD, APOSTLE and THE NIGHT COMES FOR US, while the guest roster has included such talent as Edgar Wright, Julia Ducournau, Noomi Rapace, Bong Joon-Ho, Tim Burton, Nicolas Winding-Refn, Lilly and Lana Wachowski, Robert Rodriguez, Rian Johnson, Bill Murray, Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Edward Norton, Ryan Reynolds, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Josh Hartnett, The RZA, Dolph Lundgren, Paul Rudd, Bill Pullman, Paul Thomas Anderson, Kevin Smith, Jon Favreau, George Romero, Darren Aronofsky, Mike Judge, M. Night Shyamalan, James McAvoy, Jonah Hill, Jamie Lee Curtis, Steven Yeun, Danny McBride, Tenacious D and more.
Fantastic Fest has been hailed as one of the “25 coolest film festivals” by MovieMaker Magazine, “the wildest film festival in America” by The Guardian, “a secret weapon for the arthouse market” by Indiewire as well as “the coolest film festival in the world” by IGN.

FANTASTIC FEST DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 13, 2025
Notification Date
August 22, 2025
Event Date
September 18–25, 2025

Earlybird
Regular
Late
Extended Deadline

Feature Films
Feb 14, 2025: $50
April 18, 2025: $60
May 23, 2025: $70
June 13, 2025: $80

Short Films
Feb 14, 2025: $40
April 18, 2025: $45
May 23, 2025: $50
June 13, 2025: $60

Episodic
Feb 14, 2025: $40
April 18, 2025: $45
May 23, 2025: $50
June 13, 2025: $60

Visit the Fantastic Fest website for more information.

Vancouver International Film Festival Open For Submissions
2025-01-22 | VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 3M7, Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

ABOUT THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (VIFF)
Vancouver International Film Festival is the home of film and film culture in Western Canada.
Driven by passion and curatorial excellence, VIFF encourages understanding of the world’s cultures through the art of cinema. We believe that film has a unique ability to celebrate the complexity of the human condition and that it is our responsibility to steward that power toward creating meaningful change in our world.
Founded in 1982, The Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society is a not-for-profit cultural organization that operates the internationally acclaimed Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and the year-round programming of the theatres at the VIFF Centre.

Canadian Submission Categories

Canadian Narrative Features
Open to narrative films with runtimes over 25 minutes directed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with Canada listed as one of the countries of production OR with 51% or more Canadian financing. Feature length films must not have been broadcast, distributed on VOD/home video, or screened in-person either at another festival or theatrically in the Vancouver area.
Canadian Documentaries
Open to nonfiction films with runtimes over 25 minutes directed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with Canada listed as one of the countries of production OR with 51% or more Canadian financing. Feature length films must not have been broadcast, distributed on VOD/home video, or screened in-person either at another festival or theatrically in the Vancouver area.
Canadian Shorts
Open to narrative and nonfiction films (including animation) with runtimes of 25 minutes or less directed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with Canada listed as one of the countries of production OR with 51% or more Canadian financing. VIFF will consider short films that have been made available online.

International Submission Categories

International Narrative Features
Open to non-Canadian narrative films with runtimes over 25 minutes. Feature length films must not have been broadcast, distributed on VOD/home video, or screened in-person either at another festival or theatrically in the Vancouver area.
International Documentaries
Open to non-Canadian nonfiction films with runtimes over 25 minutes. Feature length films must not have been broadcast, distributed on VOD/home video, or screened in-person either at another festival or theatrically in the Vancouver area.
International Shorts
Open to non-Canadian narrative and nonfiction films with runtimes of 25 minutes or less. Short films must not have been screened either at another festival or publicly in the Vancouver area. VIFF will consider short films that have been made available online.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
January 22, 2025
Notification Date
August 15, 2025
Event Date
October 2 – 12, 2025

Deadline
Early
Regular
Late

International Features
Apr 18, 2025: $55
May 16, 2025: $65
June 6, 2025: $75

International Shorts
Apr 18, 2025: $40
May 16, 2025: $45
June 6, 2025: $50

Canadian Features
Apr 18, 2025: $45
May 16, 2025: $50
June 6, 2025: $55

Canadian Shorts
Apr 18, 2025: $30
May 16, 2025: $35
June 6, 2026: $40

Visit the Vancouver International Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR

Heartland Film Festival Early Bird Deadline
2025-02-02 | Living Room Theaters, 745 East 9th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States

Calgary Underground Film Festival Regular Deadline
2025-02-03 | Globe Cinema, 617 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T2P 1H1, Canada
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

ABOUT THE CALGARY UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
The Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) is Western Canada's premiere genre festival, and one of Calgary’s most anticipated events for film fans. Recently, CUFF has been named one of The Best Horror Festivals in the World, 2022 by Dread Central, and in 2023 and 2021 was selected as one of the World’s 50 Best Genre Festivals and one of 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee by MovieMaker Magazine.
Founded in 2003, CUFF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to programming films that defy convention. Through the screening of contemporary works in various categories that include: feature, documentary, animation and shorts – we bring Calgarians a unique roster of films rarely seen in North American theatres. We actively look to showcase titles in all genres, from horror, sci-fi and fantasy to comedies, thrillers and music-related films. In addition to finding great films we are committed to introducing you to the people behind the lens, by showcasing local and international indie filmmakers. We are proud to contribute to Calgary's thriving arts community and are thrilled to bring innovative and challenging selections to all film enthusiasts.
GUIDELINES
1) Features films: must be a Calgary premiere, and not have screened in theatre, local festival or Canadian broadcast before our dates.
2) Short films: Priority is given to films which have not yet screened in Calgary.
3) We do not program films which were finished prior to last year's festival.
4) Films must not have been released on VOD or available to Canadian audiences.
5) If you change your screener link or password, and do not notify us on your own, it could end up not being seen. We do our best to follow up, but can not always do so.
*Free for alumni and Alberta filmmakers. Please email the festival for a waiver code if you meet either of these criteria.

DEADLINES & FEES
Opening Submission Date
July 2, 2024
Notification Date
March 17, 2025
Event Date
April 17 - 27, 2025

Regular

Features (International)
Feb 3, 2025: $40

Features (Canadian)
Feb 3, 2025: $30

Short Films (International)
Feb 3, 2025: $20

Short Films (Canadian)
Feb 3, 2025: $15

Visit the Calgary Underground Film Festival website for more information.

VIEW THE EVENT CALENDAR
